Barcelona Cathedral

  • Catedral de la Santa Creu

    Catedral de la Santa Creu 

  • Catedral de la Santa Creu

    Catedral de la Santa Creu 

  • Catedral de la Santa Creu

    Catedral de la Santa Creu 

  • Catedral de la Santa Creu

    Catedral de la Santa Creu 

  • Catedral de la Santa Creu

    Catedral de la Santa Creu 

The Santa Creu Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, is a Catholic church located in the Gothic quarter of Barcelona. It was built in the 13th century on the ruins of an old Romanesque church. Barcelona Cathedral has impressive Gothic architecture, with pointed vaults, arcades, and chapels decorated with sculptures and paintings. It also houses many treasures, including paintings, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts.

 

Barcelona Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia

Saint Eulalia, a young Christian martyr executed in Barcelona in the 3rd century for refusing to renounce her faith. She became the patron saint of the city of Barcelona and her statue can be seen in the cathedral.

 

Do not confuse Barcelona Cathedral with the Sagrada Família Basilica.

When people want to talk about Sagrada Família they say "Barcelona Cathedral". But it is not. If these two monuments are indeed two religious, catholic buildings, the only cathedral in the city is the Santa Creu Cathedral. The Sagrada Família is in fact a basilica designed in 1883 by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in a modernist style.

 

Barcelona cathedral

Catedral de la Santa Creu 

 

Why is Barcelona Cathedral famous?

Although less visited than the Sagrada Familia, the cathedral is famous for its Catalan Gothic architecture, considered one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Spain.
For its history, which goes back more than 2000 years. It has also witnessed many important historical events, such as the coronation of Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1479.
For its chapel dedicated to Saint Eulalia, which contains a statue of the saint, as well as relics and precious ornaments.
For its cloisters, which date from the 13th century and are considered to be one of the best examples of Gothic art in Spain.

 

 

What to see inside Barcelona Cathedral?

The Santa Creu Cathedral is considered one of Barcelona's architectural gems. It is also an active place of worship for the city's Catholics, with daily masses and regular liturgical celebrations. This is something you should bear in mind when you visit.

The interior of Barcelona Cathedral is a real artistic and religious treasure.
Here are some of the things you can see:
> The choir is located at the eastern end of the cathedral and is adorned with magnificent sculptures and paintings. It also houses a baroque organ and a 17th-century lectern.
> The cloister of the cathedral dates from the 14th century and contains a peaceful garden surrounded by Gothic arcades. It is an oasis of freshness and a haven of peace disturbed by the cries of thirteen geese: their number symbolises the age of Eulalia at the time of her martyrdom (Saint Eulalia, co-patroness of Barcelona, was a young virgin martyred in Roman times).
> Barcelona Cathedral has several richly decorated chapels, including the Chapel of Saint Lucy, the Chapel of the Pietà, the Chapel of Saint Benedict, and the Chapel of the Virgin of Montserrat. In the first chapel, a statue surrounded by candles is the Christ of Lepanto, one of the many protectors of Barcelona.
> The cathedral's stained glass windows are of great beauty and historical importance, as some of them date from the 14th century.
> The cathedral's treasury contains many precious objects, including silver sculptures, reliquaries, ancient manuscripts, and liturgical vestments.
> Barcelona Cathedral has several crypts, including the archaeological crypt, which contains the remains of the ancient Roman city of Barcino.
Finally, the Santa Creu Cathedral also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.

 

Barcelona Cathedral

Catedral de la Santa Creu 

 

What to see outside Barcelona Cathedral?

You can also simply visit the exterior of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Its particularities make it a major tourist attraction as well as a meeting place for Catalans who love to dance the Sardana. The antique market, for example, is particularly famous.

Among the main attractions to discover outside the Santa Creu you will appreciate
> The façade of the cathedral is a fine example of Catalan Gothic architecture, with sculptures and ornaments that reflect the history and culture of the region.
> The Portal de San Ivo is one of the main entrances to the cathedral and is adorned with sculptures representing the life of Saint Ivo.
> The Plaza de la Seu is a lively gathering place directly opposite the cathedral. It is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and is a popular venue for local festivals and events.
> From the top of its gothic-style tower: a magnificent panoramic view of the city. The tower can be reached by a spiral staircase of over 200 steps.
> The cloister of the cathedral is accessible from the outside and offers a magnificent view of the interior gardens. It is a peaceful place to walk around and enjoy the beauty of the place.

 

The famous Sardanes on Cathedral square:

In the square in front of Barcelona Cathedral, there are demonstrations of traditional Catalan dances called "Sardanes". This dance is performed in a circle, holding hands, and is accompanied by 11 musicians playing 12 instruments. The demonstrations take place every week, at different times depending on the time of year. Saturdays at 6 pm from 9 February to 13 July and from 14 September to 17 November, and Sundays and public holidays at 11.15 am from 15 September to 28 July.

 

Barcelona Cathedral

Catedral de la Santa Creu 

 

Dates of the construction of Barcelona Cathedral

The construction of the Santa Creu Cathedral in Barcelona began in the 13th century, on the ruins of an old Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Eulalia. The initial project was to build a large Gothic church to serve as the seat of the bishop of Barcelona.
Work began in 1298 under the direction of the architect Berenguer de Montagut, but was interrupted for several decades due to financial problems and political instability in the region.
Construction resumed in 1330 under the direction of the architect Jaume Fabre, who added several chapels and a choir to the building. Work was interrupted again in the 14th century due to the Black Death and conflicts with the Crown of Aragon.
In the 15th century,  construction resumed under the direction of the architect Guillem Bofill, who added the main façade and the tower of the cathedral. Work continued in the 16th century with the addition of the cloister and the chapel of Santa Lucia.
Finally, in 1913, a major renovation was undertaken to restore the building to its current appearance.

 

Where is Barcelona Cathedral?

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule of visits to Barcelona Cathedral

Opening hours for cultural and tourist visits during the week:

9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (access closes at 5.45 p.m.).

Opening hours  for cultural and tourist visits on Saturdays

9.30am to 5.15pm (access closes at 4.30pm).

Times for cultural and tourist visits on Sundays

2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (access closes at 4:30 pm).

 

Mass times in Barcelona Cathedral

Weekday Masses (in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel):

09:00 mass in Catalan - 11:00 mass in Catalan - 12:00 mass in Spanish - 19:15

Mass in Catalan.

Masses on Saturdays and the eve of holidays (in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel):

09:00 Mass in Catalan - 11:00 Mass in Catalan - 12:00 Mass in Spanish High Altar - 18:00 Mass in Spanish - 19:15 Mass in Catalan.

Mass on Sundays and public holidays (at the main altar):

09:00 mass in Catalan - 10:30Conventual in Catalan - 12:00 mass in Spanish - 13:00 mass in Catalan - 18:00 mass in Spanish - 19:15 mass in Catalan.

Barcelona Cathedral

Pla de la Seu, 3, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Area: Barrio Gótico
Website: Cathedral Santa Creu - Barcelona
Opening hours: Weekdays: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm (access closes at 5:45 pm). Saturdays: from 9.30 am to 5.15 pm (access closes at 4.30 pm). Sundays: from 14:00 to 17:00 (access closes at 16:30).
Prices: 9€
Phone: +34 93 342 82 60
Metro/Bus: Metro: L4 Jaume I / Bus:17, 19, 40, 45, 100
Barcelona metro map
Hotels: Find your hotel in Barcelona in this area.
Last comment
Very beautiful old cathedral
me (16 Sep 2023 - 09:54)
Very beautiful old cathedral in the Gothic quarter of Barcelona, lots to see in this one, impressive detail and immersing us several centuries back ... superb!
Add a new comment View comments

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Last comments

Barcelona.com - 3 Oct 2024 - 07:42
@CC
Hello CC, To travel from Sitges to Barcelona Airport (specifically Terminal 2), you can take a train but there is no direct train service. Here's how you can do it: Take the R2 Sud train from Sitges: This line runs directly to El Prat de Llobregat station. The train departs frequently from Sitges, and the trip to El Prat de Llobregat takes about 30-35 minutes. Transfer at El Prat de Llobregat: Once you arrive at this station, you need to switch to the R2 Nord train heading to Barcelona Airport (Aeroport T2). This is a short ride of around 6-7 minutes. The overall journey from Sitges to Terminal 2 at Barcelona Airport takes roughly 50-60 minutes, depending on wait times between connections. The trains are generally punctual and frequent, so it’s a convenient option. Best,
Barcelona.com - 3 Oct 2024 - 07:42
@sam
Hello sam, According to the Town Hall, the market will continue to operate throughout the renovation, with the possibility of occasional or partial closures. Best,
CC - 3 Oct 2024 - 07:32
Sitges train to Barceona airport
Sitges to Terminal 2 by train.is there a direct train?
BrandaK - 3 Oct 2024 - 07:30
Manifesta 24
Manifesta is always very interesting; I'm sure Manifesta 24 is a must-see. cya
sam - 3 Oct 2024 - 07:30
works
The Boqueria market will remain open during the construction work in 2025?
Anthony - 2 Oct 2024 - 12:08
great
Bar del Pla is one of my favorite tapas bars in Barcelona. it's really delicious and i can't thank the owners enough for their warm welcome.
Barcelona.com - 20 Sep 2024 - 08:58
@VK
Hello VK, here's the new schedule of free admission to the Picasso museum in Barcelona: First Sunday of each month (advance booking required)*. Open days: February 11, May 18 and September 24 (reservation required)* November 1 to April 30: Thursday, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm (reservation required)* May 2 to October 31: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (booking advisable)*. *Free opening hours: Online tickets available on Mondays from 10am. best,
VK - 20 Sep 2024 - 08:36
Free entry on Thursdays
Apparently it’s 7-9PM not as it’s stated here 6-9:30PM

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6 comments

  1. Very beautiful old cathedral - me (16 Sep 2023 - 09:54)

    Very beautiful old cathedral in the Gothic quarter of Barcelona, lots to see in this one, impressive detail and immersing us several centuries back ... superb!

  2. fine guided tour - JarvisHft (11 May 2023 - 10:08)

    The guided tour of Barcelona Cathedral is a must! The guides are very knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the cathedral. They explain all the interesting details that you wouldn't know on your own."

  3. A must see - tago (3 Mar 2023 - 11:50)

    I loved the vibe of the Barcelona Cathedral. A must see!

  4. incredible!! - JB (24 Feb 2014 - 09:15)

    To avoid the long waiting line we saw long time ago, we booked online and it was very fast entry.. The funny thing is that this time it was really cool with not to many people and almost no line ( it's winter) ;-)
    This visit is the most incredible we had in Barcelona. The N°1 monument to see there and in the rest of the world!

  5. c'est juste magnifique - simba (2 Dec 2011 - 17:30)

    cette cathedrale c'est du bonheur

  6. C'est nul! - Dofusman (7 Mar 2009 - 19:30)

    C'est nul qu'il n'y est pas de "Street View" PARTOUT sur la France, même dans les plus petits villages!!! Moi je dit ça ne se fait pas qu'il n'y ait QUE les grandes villes qui aient cette option!
    A plus.

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